Companion Animals

Canine Chronic Pain Assessment: Beyond the Obvious Signs

Chronic pain in dogs is frequently under-recognised and under-treated. Dogs do not vocalise chronic pain the way acute pain manifests, leading owners and sometimes vets to miss significant suffering.

Key Facts

An estimated 20-35% of dogs show signs of osteoarthritis at any one time
Dogs rarely cry out in chronic pain — they instead withdraw, sleep more and stop playing
Validated pain scales include the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scale
Multimodal analgesia (NSAID + gabapentin + physio) is now standard of care
Joint supplements (omega-3, green-lipped mussel) have evidence for mild benefit

Welfare Considerations

The stoicism of dogs in chronic pain is a product of evolutionary pressure — showing weakness to predators was dangerous. Owners misinterpret reduced activity as 'slowing down with age' when it may reflect treatable pain. Validated owner questionnaires (LOAD, CBPI) allow systematic monitoring. Effective treatment substantially improves quality of life and longevity in dogs with arthritis.

What You Can Do

Complete the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire annually from age 5
Discuss multimodal pain management with your vet rather than single-drug approaches
Provide non-slip surfaces, ramps and comfortable bedding for arthritic dogs
Maintain lean body condition — every kilogram of excess weight worsens joint pain
Consider hydrotherapy and physiotherapy as adjuncts to pharmaceutical pain management